"Where to?" The driver asked as soon as I was inside the cab. I replied, "Madison Avenue." I took out my phone and texted Matt again that I was in the cab already and on my way home. I don't know what the hell is happening that Matt isn't responding to any of my texts, which is so unlike him. "Are you all right?" The driver inquired, his gaze drawn to me in the rearview mirror. I'm not sure what he saw in me that prompted him to ask that question. Is my dread apparent on my face? Should I inform him of the two guys who seem to be following me? If I do, will he perceive me the same way Elliot did, as someone who makes assumptions and false claims? Shit, Ari, why does Elliot have to be a part of this? He is nowhere here and should be nowhere in my mind. "Yeah, I'm fine." I said, trying to act calmly while putting my phone back in my bag. I leaned back and closed my eyes to send a message to the driver that I didn't want to have a conversation with him. Deep inside, I am also attempt
With my heart beating and adrenaline pumping, I endeavored to be as inconspicuous as possible when conversing with Elliot. In spite of the fear I am feeling, I need to hold on to that little hope that I have. I need assurance that Elliot will come to my aid. I need him to promise me that, despite him having a girlfriend, he will come to my rescue. I'm clinging to his previous statements that if he has to choose, he'll choose me over everyone else, no matter what. Yes, I am selfish and self-centered, but I have no choice but to be selfish at this moment in order to survive and thrive unscathed. I'm not sure why I'm here or what they're about to do to me, and I'm not interested in finding out. All I wanted was to be rescued, freed, and able to return to my home. Away from this perplexing and terrifying situation that is slowly killing me. "Elliot, I'm terrified. Please help me. Please get me out of here alive." I don't want to, but I simply cannot stop the panic and the dread that's co
I beg Elliot to stay on the line with me; I can't do this without him. I absolutely must feel his presence here with me. "Please don't hang up, Elliot. Stay on the line with me. I need to be able to hear your voice to assure me that you'll come and get me. I need to feel you here with me to know that I am safe." "Listen, Ari, put the phone down so the kidnappers aren't notified. They'll most likely check on you in a few minutes. Keep your phone on silent mode. Sweetheart, I'll save you. Will you believe me this time? Even though I know how hard it is for you to believe anything that I say, just this once, I am begging you to trust me, Ariella. Trust me enough to know that I will save you." As my tears fall down my cheeks, he concludes the call with, "I'm coming to get you out of there. Whatever it takes, I will save you, hon, even if it costs me my life." With my heart beating a million miles per second, I walk up and press my ear against the door, hoping to capture anything the men
When I heard a commotion outside the bedroom, I was jolted awake. I scanned my surroundings and realized that I was still in the same locked bedroom. Fear immediately emanates from me, knowing that I am still in a dreaded place. I'm not sure how much longer I've been asleep. Despite my circumstances, I do not really even know how I ended up falling asleep. The more I hear the voices shouting outside, the more I become frightened and terrified. I was about to get off the bed to try to check if I could somewhat understand the shouting that is happening outside when several shots being fired can be overheard before I can move. And I have frozen with fear again. I was having a difficult time breathing because my heart was thumping so furiously and fiercely that I had to clutch my chest to help me stabilize my breathing. Is Elliot already here? Is he with someone? Is he here already to rescue me? What's the connection with the shots being fired? Is he perfectly alright? My thoughts are pl
"Elliot," I can't help but whimper once more. I have a lot on my mind but can't say anything about everything at this time. I'm ashamed of myself. I'm mortified by what I said to Elliot previously. "Did any of them touch you, Ari? Are you hurt?" He asked as he tenderly pulled me up and guided me over to the bed. All I can do is just shake my head when he inquired. "Please talk to me, baby. I need to know if you're completely fine. Ari, I'm here; you don't have to be frightened any longer. I promised you that I would protect and save you. I'm sure you are well aware now that I won't let anything harmful happen to you." I wept on his chest because I could not really face him. "El, Elliot, I'm sorry." I have quite a lot of things I would really like to ask him for forgiveness for, but I'm not sure where to begin. I know my words will never be enough for the pain I have inflicted on him. "Let’s not talk about that right now, Ari. You need to rest. Come on, it's better that I bring you
When I regained consciousness after the sleep I didn't realize I had been engulfed in, the surroundings were laden with a strong masculine fragrance. And in the midst of all of this, I feel that I am safe. When I opened my eyes, I looked at both sides and realized I was lying on a king-sized bed in a different room. A room that I feel so strongly connected with. I closed my eyes once more, trying to recall what had happened and where Matt was in all of this. Elliot has already rescued me, so I know I'm safe. And this room does not give me the same chills as the one I was in before it. This room feels like Elliot's, so comforting despite the very manly appearance. Thinking about Elliot made my mind a jumbled mess. The last thing I remember was wanting to start a conversation with him, but he stopped me and urged me to relax. The next thing I knew, I was overwhelmed with exhaustion and weariness. I can't help but wonder if Matt is worrying about me as I lie in bed with my eyes closed.
"I'm at a loss for words now, Ari. I really don't know what to say to make you feel better. I have no words except that I'm sorry for hurting you. As much as I want to, I don't have any explanations or excuses anymore. I apologize for all I did, but I did everything that I did because I cared about you so deeply. And everything I've told you is true. Ariella, my feelings for you are genuine. Even if you don't trust a single word I say, believe the feelings I've expressed truthfully, since I'll never lie to you about how I really feel. I can lie about everything else, but not how much you mean to me." My tears are flowing again as he said this. I honestly regret inflicting him pain with my statements and my actions. I never once doubted the genuineness of his feelings for me. What I hated was his actions in showing that love. But now I understand where he is coming from. He just wants to safeguard me from all harm. And if I could take back all the hurtful words that I said, if there
"You! It really is you! I cannot believe this. You! You're that woman! I know you!" I simply cannot stop myself from becoming outraged and agitated when I saw her. And no matter how much effort I strive to remain composed and collected for Elliot, I absolutely can't. Seeing her again brings back so many memories for me. I've been plagued with painful recollections of what she did to me. I will always see her as the one who tries to sabotage my relationship with Matt, even though I know Elliot has a part in that too. I decided to move away from Elliot and inched closer to the woman, who was still smiling at me despite the rage that I was showing her. "What are you doing here? Why are you here?" I started shouting, clenching my fists tightly in an attempt to alleviate my debilitating impulses. "Why is she here?" I exclaimed once more, directing my attention to Elliot this time. "Hey, Ari, baby, calm down." Elliot said as his arms wrapped around my waist, trying his best to constrain me